To provide a better communications network and modernisation, BT Openreach has started the ‘All IP’ transition, replacing the old public switched telephone network (PSTN). What will this mean for end-users?
All phone lines in the UK will be switched from analogue to IP by the end of 2025. The BT Openreach ‘All-IP’ migration program for the PSTN network has already started and shown successful results UK-wide.
From the moment the analogue PSTN is switched off, everyone, including businesses currently using PSTN-based services for voice calls and security systems, lifts, or others, will be affected. Any system depending on the current analogue PSTN will need to move to a digital solution to continue operating.
Why do you need to act now?
Waiting to deal with this issue for a couple of years time will not work. By September 2023, a ‘Stop Sell’ will be implemented in all Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products. The WLR product family comprises broadband products, WLR3 Analogue, ISDN2, ISDN30, LLU SMPF, SLU SMPF, Narrowband Line Share and Classic products running on analogue.
Hardware that depends on WLR lines may not work when the line is converted to ‘All IP.’ Anyone using WLR and related products must migrate to alternative products based on Broadband.
Users should be notified about the switchover by letter or email, telling them when their switchover date is likely to be. However, the time between the official notification and actual switchover may vary, so it’s better to be prepared beforehand.
Any security system connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) through the analogue network will have its communication cut off. For a security panel that relays on the current PSTN to continue to be connected after switchover, an installer will need to fit a device to the security unit, which can be time-consuming, human resource hungry and expensive.
Texecom Monitor is just a click away
Individuals and businesses that use a Texecom alarm system can rest reassured because an integrated solution is here now. Texecom Monitor is a digital solution for primary alarm communications, released in the UK on the 4th April 2022. Texecom Monitor is part of Texecom’s Cloud service and works seamlessly with Texecom Premier Elite systems with SmartCom communicators.
Texecom Monitor offers SP2, SP2 Radio, DP1, DP2, DP3 and DP4 primary alarm signalling to leading Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs). The service is accessed from Premier Elite systems via dual-path SmartCom 4G communicators that provide connectivity to all the major UK telecommunication networks, including O2, EE, 3 (H3G) and Vodafone.
Texecom Monitor makes adding primary alarm communications simple and easy. There is no need for bespoke equipment, especially to connect with ARCs for a particular site. Time-consuming wiring, programming and testing are avoided. No ARC account setup process. Texecom Monitor is fully integrated with Premier Elite alarm systems making alarm signalling plug-and-play for the field alarm installer.
Keeping a close watch
The control and visibility of Texecom security systems are achieved through the Texecom Cloud account, which now can include Texecom Monitor. Users and installers can manage their ARCs connection, and access Texecom Cloud diagnostics and Texecom Connect app management from the company cloud account without being physically on-site.
The TexecomPro app provides installers with all the tools to set up, configure and diagnose connectivity on the go. With Texecom Connect, users can control their security systems. Available on Android or iOS, the Texecom Connect app allows users to control Premier Elite security systems directly from their compatible smartphone or tablet device.
Risk assessed
Texecom Monitor has been designed from the ground up with cyber security at the heart of the cloud architecture and has been penetration tested by leading cyber security experts to ensure compliance with the highest standards.
Texecom’s cloud-based architecture that powers Texecom Monitor provides layers of resiliency and redundancy – ensuring reliable communications. With dual-path, fully roaming 4G communications backed up with multi-redundant cloud transport systems, Texecom Monitor is a service you can depend upon. It exceeds EN50136 DP4 signalling uptime requirements and has achieved 100% uptime availability in the last twelve months.